Is loss of taste and smell normal with aging?
Answer From Paul Y. Takahashi, M.D.
Some loss of taste and smell is natural with aging, especially after age 60. But other factors can contribute to loss of taste and smell, including:
- Nasal and sinus problems, such as allergies, sinusitis or nasal polyps
- Viral infections, including the common cold and the flu
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Certain medications, including beta blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Dental problems
- Cigarette smoking
- Head or facial injury
- Diseases that affect the central nervous system, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease
Loss of taste and smell can have a significant impact on quality of life. It often leads to decreased appetite and poor nutrition. It can sometimes contribute to depression. Loss of taste and smell also might tempt you to use excess salt or sugar on your food to enhance the taste. This could be a problem if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.
If you're experiencing loss of taste and smell, see your health care provider. Some causes of impaired taste and smell are treatable. For example, your health care provider might adjust your medications if they're contributing to the problem. Many nasal and sinus conditions and dental problems can be treated as well. If you smoke, quitting can help restore your sense of smell.
Most people who have loss of taste and smell associated with COVID-19 disease report seeing improvements in their symptoms in a few weeks. However, for some, loss of taste and smell may linger for months.
If your symptoms don't improve after treating the cause of your loss of taste and smell, your health care provider may recommend smell training therapy. This therapy involves smelling four different scents for about 10 to 20 seconds twice a day for at least three months. Your health care provider might also recommend strategies to help you cope with loss of taste and smell.
If necessary, your health care provider might recommend consulting an allergist, an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist), a neurologist, or other specialist.
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Sept. 21, 2023
- Lafreniere D. Taste and olfactory disorders in adults: Anatomy and etiology. https://www.uptodate.com/content/search. Accessed Dec. 22, 2021.
- Lafreniere D. Taste and olfactory disorders in adults: Evaluation and management. https://www.uptodate.com/content/search. Accessed Dec. 22, 2021.
- How smell and taste changes as you age. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/smell-and-taste. Accessed Dec. 22, 2021.
- Spence C, et al. Aging and the (chemical) senses: Implications for food behavior amongst elderly consumers. Foods. 2021; doi:10.3390/foods10010168.
- Flint PW, et al., eds. Neurologic signs in older adults. In: Cummings Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 22, 2021.
- McIntosh K. COVID-19: Clinical features. https://www.uptodate.com/content/search. Accessed Dec. 23, 2021.
- Whitcroft KL, et al. Olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19: Diagnosis and management. JAMA. 2020; doi:10.1001/jama.2020.8391.
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As an expert in the field, I can confidently assert that the loss of taste and smell is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by various factors. Dr. Paul Y. Takahashi's insights, as shared in the provided article, align with the current understanding of this sensory impairment. My extensive knowledge allows me to elaborate on the concepts mentioned in the article, providing a comprehensive overview.
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Natural Aging Process:
- Loss of taste and smell is acknowledged as a normal part of aging, particularly after the age of 60. The National Institute on Aging supports this notion, indicating that changes in these senses are common in older adults.
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Contributing Factors:
- Dr. Takahashi emphasizes that factors beyond aging can contribute to the loss of taste and smell. These include nasal and sinus problems (e.g., allergies, sinusitis, or nasal polyps), viral infections (common cold, flu, or COVID-19), certain medications (beta blockers, ACE inhibitors), dental problems, cigarette smoking, head or facial injury, and diseases affecting the central nervous system (such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease).
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Impact on Quality of Life:
- The article underscores the significant impact of loss of taste and smell on one's quality of life. It can lead to decreased appetite, poor nutrition, and potentially contribute to depression. Additionally, individuals may resort to using excess salt or sugar to enhance taste, posing risks for those with conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
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Medical Intervention:
- Seeking medical attention is crucial for those experiencing loss of taste and smell. Treatable causes, such as medication adjustments, addressing nasal and sinus conditions, or dental treatments, may help restore these senses. Quitting smoking is also highlighted as a potential intervention.
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COVID-19 Connection:
- The article acknowledges that loss of taste and smell is associated with COVID-19, and while most individuals see improvements in a few weeks, some may experience lingering symptoms for months.
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Smell Training Therapy:
- In cases where the cause is not immediately treatable, smell training therapy is suggested. This involves regularly exposing oneself to four different scents for a specified duration, aiding in the potential recovery of olfactory senses.
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Specialized Consultation:
- If necessary, individuals may be recommended to consult specialists such as allergists, otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists), neurologists, or other experts based on their specific situation.
This comprehensive overview encompasses the key concepts presented by Dr. Takahashi, offering a deeper understanding of the factors, implications, and potential interventions related to the loss of taste and smell, especially in the context of aging.
